Englera 27

Abstract

Flora and vegetation of the Canary Island of El Hierro have been investigated since 1997 by both authors. The floristic inventory of the island has been recorded by means of a grid mapping following the 1 × 1 km² UTM grid. Both indigenous and introduced taxa were examined. The most important cultivated species were also mapped, particularly when they tend to escape into the wild. Beside the corresponding taxonomic literature, many experts were consulted for the identification of the numerous critical taxa. As a result, an annotated checklist of the vascular plants of El Hierro is presented, together with the distribution maps for c. 550 taxa.

Information on endemism, floristic status, life form, record history, altitudinal preferences and selected literature is given. Critical aspects are discussed in the accompanying comments.

The floristic information presented in this study supplements the results of the phytosociological research by the authors, which have already been published. Hence, a complete database on flora and vegetation of El Hierro has been established, which may serve as a basis for further scientific studies and conservation efforts.